“FOCUS on Boise State” formerly FOCUS, the university’s alumni magazine, includes news about Boise State’s programs, events and people, as well as in-depth features that explore a broad range of issues and ideas. Traditionally published three times a year, this award-winning publication is mailed to 54,000 alumni and university friends and also distributed on campus and locally.

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The College of Business and Economics, led by Dean Patrick Shannon, has rolled out imaginative initiatives that fuse innovation into the business community, from strong networks among academic experts and business leaders and give students valuable experiences.

Research shows that creativity and innovation lead to business success. To find out just how creative Boise’s economy is, Boise State student Ryan Cooper devised a creativity index that ranks Boise, Seattle and Portland in a number of key areas that are believed to contribute to their economic success. Find out how Boise stacks up to its neighbors. Cover photo of Cooper (right) and business professor Nancy Napier, director of Boise State’s Centre for Creativity and Innovation, by John Kelly.

In both size and stature, Boise State has come a long way from its days as a small church-run junior college to its current role as Idaho’s largest university. In this issue, the first of two special editions of FOCUS celebrating Boise State’s 75th anniversary, we look at the university’s buildings and the memories they hold for faculty, staff, students and alumni. Cover design by Drew Roberts.

Basking in the glow of its improbable win over football powerhouse Oklahoma in the New Year’s Day Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Boise State is enjoying a corresponding surge of respect in academics. While congratulatory e-mails poured in from around the globe, so did inquiries from prospective students. Find out how the university is benefitting from its time in the national spotlight… Beyond the Blue. Cover photo of coach Chris Petersen by John Kelly.

Boise State’s campaign to raise $175 million was announced in late August during the celebration of the institution’s 75th anniversary. Destination Distinction: The Campaign for Boise State University strives to unite the campus and community in a single goal: excellence. This issue’s theme section outlines the four areas of the campaign’s focus: students, faculty, academics and facilities. Join us on a journey of discovery through our Destination Distinction campaign. Cover photos by John Kelly and Carrie Quinney. Cover design by Drew Roberts.

Over the past 75 years, tens of thousands of Boise State students have realized their dreams and made a difference in the world, thanks in part to the far-reaching vision of Boise State’s founder and first president, Bishop Middleton Barnwell. This issue of FOCUS looks at some of those who benefited from that vision, as well as those who are shaping Boise State’s future. The photo above is part of a historical mural created by art professor Alma Gomez-Frith to commemorate Boise State’s diamond jubilee (page 24). Cover collage by Andrew Roberts.

Boise State women are helping lead the way in the classroom, the research lab, and in administration, and in the process they are playing a pivotal role in shaping the culture and goals of a university that is on the move in the 21st century. In this issue of FOCUS, we profile some of BSU’s outstanding women, who include, from left, Stacy Pearson, vice president of finance and administration; Cheryl Schrader, engineering dean; Sona Andrews, provost; and Diane Boothe, education dean. Cover photo by Carrie Quinney.

Boise State University is actively engaged in efforts to address some of the major challenges of the day, including global warming, terrorism, immigration and health concerns. Faculty research extends far beyond the boundaries of the university or the state of Idaho and involves resources, energy and collaboration from entities across the globe. Cover photo of Boise State history professor Mike Zirinsky with pre-revolutionary Iranian flag by John Kelly.

Creative collaboration between departments, outside agencies and even sister universities is transforming how Boise State operates and what it can accomplish. This issue of FOCUS provides a closer look at how the university is encouraging and benefiting from an array of partnerships in research, community service and creative activity. Cover by Drew Roberts.

When it comes to Boise State and Idaho’s business climate, perhaps the equation Town + Gown = Momentum says it best. As Idaho’s economy ramps up, Boise State is playing an integral role in fueling business growth and creativity. In this issue of FOCUS, we explore some of the reasons behind this synergy and highlight people and programs that are leading the way.

From freshmen right out of high school to doctoral candidates, Boise State’s students contribute to the university’s stature and reputational currency, while profiting from its award-winning faculty, innovative programs and groundbreaking research. This issue of FOCUS takes a brief look at the student experience at Boise State. Cover photo of freshman Ryan Smith and student-athlete Lee Marks (below) by John Kelly.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Boise State couldn’t be in a much better location. Head out from campus in any direction, and a myriad of opportunities for fun await. In this issue of FOCUS, we take a closer look at Boise State’s big back yard and talk to students and faculty who enjoy playing close to home. (Cover photo by John Kelly. Photo below courtesy of the Boise State Outdoor Program.)

Great communities like Boise don't just happen - they are the result of hard work and dedication by many people pulling together for the common good. In this issue of FOCUS, we look at civic engagement at BSU.